constituent 1 of 2

Definition of constituentnext

constituent

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word constituent distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of constituent are component, element, and ingredient. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

How are the words component and constituent related?

Both component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.

the components of a stereo system

When is it sensible to use element instead of constituent?

While the synonyms element and constituent are close in meaning, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

When is ingredient a more appropriate choice than constituent?

Although the words ingredient and constituent have much in common, ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of constituent
Noun
Candidates entering the race say they are focused on building on Wilson's legacy while addressing the future needs of constituents. Abby Dodge, CBS News, 10 June 2026 While 11 members of the hybrid, 21-person board — half elected by city constituents and half appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson — voted late last month to punt the renewal decision to Wednesday, few members voiced opinions before extending the contracts. Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026
Adjective
While many of Swalwell’s staffers have already quit, remaining staffers not involved in constituent services would lose their jobs and receive no severance pay. Ana Ceballos, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026 According to Hensley, the bill was prompted by a constituent request and evolved during the legislative process. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for constituent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constituent
Noun
  • This will be his fifth World Cup as a member of the Mexico squad, appearing in 11 matches during his tenure.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 June 2026
  • Family members said Arthur Fernandez was a former wildland firefighter before becoming a heavy machinery operator.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • In a renowned 2006 review published in Educational Research Review, researchers traced how working memory evolved from a simple storage system into a more dynamic, multi-component process.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
  • Much of Lofton’s research looks at developing a multi-level, multi-component food system intervention to address food insecurity inequities amongst Black American residents living in predominantly Black communities.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There are also diner burgers and upscale date spots with prime ingredients.
    Alanna Bennett, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 June 2026
  • Historically, that has meant tweaking a prescription drug to accommodate the needs of patients who had an allergy to an ingredient, or who couldn't swallow a pill.
    Daniel Gilbert, CBS News, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Coffee lovers were stuck with their local shops, grocery stores, or hunting down individual roaster websites.
    Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 8 June 2026
  • So the company has built infrastructure that can handle the hard parts once, so individual teams don't have to keep re-solving them.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • This exposure has helped forge a distinct cultural identity that prioritizes the integration of human infrastructure with elements of the wilderness.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • The event also featured traditional performance elements, including a vibrant dancer, as city officials and community members marked the beginning of the project.
    Maddie White, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Alcohol was a big factor and Adderall and cocaine were big factors.
    Marlow Stern, Variety, 10 June 2026
  • While those shortfalls are diminishing, any sudden expenses, including those caused by factors outside of the city’s control, could quickly add to that burden.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 10 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Constituent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constituent. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on constituent

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster